ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
EAC-PM
Latest GDP Estimates reflect superior acceleration in India’s growth trajectory: Chairman, EAC-PM
The Central Statistics Office , Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the estimates of Gross Domestic Product  for the first quarter  Q1 of 2018-19. As per the CSO, GDP growth rate estimates for April-June 2018 stand at 8.2%. These estimates represent a significant jump from last year’s Q1 growth rate estimates of 5.6%, indicating superior acceleration in India’s growth trajectory. This also validates that the economic fundamentals remain robust. The CSO estimates state that GDP at constant prices was Rs. 33.74 crores for Q1, 2018-19, a rise from of Rs. 31.18 lakh crores and Rs. 29.42 lakh crores for the same period in 2017-18 and 2016-17, respectively.
Welcoming this development, Dr. Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister  attributed this positive trend to continued impetus on structural reforms and effective implementation of ongoing policy initiatives. He further stated that the focus on boosting capital spend in infrastructure sector and multiple initiatives to provide universal access to basic goods and services has not only contributed to this growth but has improved its quality as well.
He added that despite an uncertain international environment and volatile crude oil prices, India’s sustained growth reflects its strong resilience to adverse global conditions, because of strong economic fundamentals. The encouraging growth rates in agriculture, manufacturing and construction show that the growth momentum continues to be broad based. In addition, one also expects favourable monsoons to further boost agricultural output and rural consumption in the coming quarters.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy Ships and Aircraft to participate in exercise La Perouse
Indian Navy Ships INS Satpura  and INS Kiltan alongwith P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft are participating, for the first time; in multi-lateral maritime exercise La Pérouse, being conducted in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region from 05 to 07 Apr 2021. The Indian Navy ships and aircraft will exercise at sea with ships and aircraft of French Navy , Royal Australian Navy , Japan Maritime Self Defence Force  and United States Navy  during the three day exercise at sea.
The exercise La Pérouse, led by French Navy, has participation by FN Ships Tonnerre, an amphibious assault ship and frigate Surcouf. United States Navy is represented in the exercise by amphibious transport dock ship Somerset. Her Majesty’s Australian Ships  Anzac, a frigate and tanker Sirius have been deployed by RAN for participation in the exercise while Japan Maritime Self Defence Ship  is represented by the destroyer Akebono. In addition to the ships, integral helicopters embarked onboard ships will also participate in the exercise.
Exercise La Pérouse will witness complex and advanced naval operations including surface warfare, anti-air warfare and air defence exercises, weapon firing exercises, cross deck flying operations, tactical manoeuvres and seamanship evolutions such as replenishment at sea.
The exercise will showcase high levels of synergy, coordination and inter-operability between the friendly navies. Participation by the Indian Navy in the exercise demonstrates the shared values with friendly navies ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.
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ABBB/VM/MS
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PIB Headquarters
Central government extends ban on LTTE for five years
The Central Government has extended the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam  for another five years under sub-sections  and  of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities  Act, 1967  with immediate effect. The notification in this regard was issued here today.
The notification states that the LTTE’s continued violent and disruptive activities are prejudicial to the integrity and sovereignty of India; and it continues to adopt a strong anti-India posture as also continues to pose a grave threat to the security of Indian nationals.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
“One Nation, One Policy” for Organ Donation and Transplantation
As per the new government guidelines, the upper age limit of 65 years for eligibility for registration to receive deceased donor organ has been removed
The Government of India has adopted the policy of “One Nation, One Policy” for Organ Donation and Transplantation. The Government of India has started consultation process with the State Governments in this regard. Under the policy, it has been decided to remove the requirement of domicile of the state for registration of patients requiring organ transplantation from deceased donor. Now such patients will be able to go to any state of the country and register themselves for organ transplantation. As per the new government guidelines, the upper age limit of 65 years for eligibility for registration to receive deceased donor organ has been removed. Now, a person of any age can register for receiving deceased donor organ.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Time limit slashed for the testing process of tractors used for farming
A big gift from the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has reduced the time limit for the testing process of tractors used for Agriculture from nine months to just 75 working days. This development comes as a big gift for the Agriculture sector during the celebration of the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" on 75th year of India’s Independence.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and on the directions of the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, the Ministry / Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has taken this positive initiative in order to promote mechanization in the Agriculture sector in the country and to ensure the availability of suitable tractors for the farmers. In order to implement the new, effective and speedy testing process of tractor testing, revised guidelines have been issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to the Central Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute , Budni and other concerned officers, which will be effective from 15th August, 2022.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Policy for Rehabilitation of Sex Workers
Ministry of Women and Child Development implements the Ujjawala Scheme which is a comprehensive scheme for prevention of trafficking and rescue, rehabilitation and re-integration of victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. The protective and rehabilitative homes provide basic amenities such as food, clothing, medical care, legal aid, education for rescued children and vocational training to provide them alternate livelihood options.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Shri Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Cumulative no of Houses Sanctioned under PMAY now more than 93 lakhs
48th CSMC Sanctions 2.32 lakh Houses with an overall investment of Rs. 7,322 crores under PMAY 
The 48th Meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee  Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana  chaired by Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary,MoHUA, has approved 371 proposals from participating states/UT for the construction of 2,31,532 houses with an overall investment of Rs 7,322 Cr involving central assistance of Rs 3,473 Cr. Cumulative number of houses sanctioned so far is more than 93 lakhs.
Total Seven states/UT participated in the CSMC namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Puducherry and Uttar Pradesh. The Number of houses approved for the seven states/UT are Andhra Pradesh-1,24,624 houses, Assam-16,002 houses,Bihar-15,049 houses, Madhya Pradesh-18,362 houses,Nagaland-3,238 houses, Puduchery-1,811 houses and Uttar Pradesh-52,446 houses. The States of Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have achieved nearly 100% of their urban housing demand of 13.78 Lakh and 15 Lakh houses respectively.
The State of Uttar Pradesh, picked up late only after March 2017, has cumulative sanction for 14.50 lakh houses so far, is a clear front runner in both overall sanction of house as well as houses sanctioned under Beneficiary Led Construction Scheme which is presently 12.56 lakh houses. The State also enjoys leading position among northern States for Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme  which is a interest subvention component of PMAY
The Proposal received are under Beneficiary Led Construction or Enhancement  and Affordable Housing Project  verticals of the scheme. These houses will be constructed by using the New and Innovative technologies such as Nagaland is using eco-friendly and earthquake resistant houses. The material used in this category of houses comprises of bamboo, thatch and grass etc. with a light weight roof of similar materials.
As on date, PMAY Mission has achieved milestone of sanctioning more than 93 Lakh houses under PMAY against the validated demand of 1.12 crore houses. A total of 55 Lakh houses are grounded for construction of which construction of more than 28 Lakh houses is complete.
Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary,MoHUA said that the investment in sanctioned houses is Rs. 5.56 lakh crore which includes Rs. 2.82 lakh Cr as Public Sector investment while Rs. 2.74 lakh Cr from the Private Sector. Out of Rs 1.46 Lakh Cr Central assistance approved, a total of Rs. 57,896 Cr has been released to the States/UTs so far.
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Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Discussions between Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel with Mr Alexander Novak, Minister of Energy of Russia through Video Conferencing
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel held discussion with Mr Alexander Novak, Minister of Energy of Russia through Video Conferencing on 6 May 2020.The discussions encompassed the global oil and gas scenario and review of bilateral cooperation in the sectors of oil and gas sector and coking coal.
Minister Novak briefed the Indian Minister on the recently signed OPEC+ agreement. Minister Pradhan welcomed the agreement as an important step in providing stability and predictability to the global energy markets, which is important for India as a consuming nation. The Russian Minister recognised and appreciated the role India plays as a major bilateral partner but also as a major demand driver of hydrocarbon consumption.Minister Pradhan emphasised that Indian economy will continue to be the demand centre for hydrocarbons.
The two Ministersalso reviewed the ongoing projects between the two countries including the participation with Rosneft in the Vostok Project , Novatek supplies of LNG, cooperation between Gail and Gazprom, joint projects with Gazpromneft, supply of crude oil by Rosneft to Indian Oil etc. Russian side appreciated India’s continued cooperation despite the unforeseen circumstances arising on account of Covid 19. Minister Novak reaffirmed their desire to support Indian energy needs.
During the meeting, particular emphasis was laid on the cooperation in the coking coal sector in which considerable headway has been made since the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Russia in September 2019. In this context the Russian Minister welcomed ShriPradhan’s suggestion of an early convening of a meeting of a high level WG to strengthen cooperation in coking coal with the aim of a conclusion of a MoU.
The Indian side welcomed long term cooperation with the Russian side and Minister Pradhan reiterated his request for Minister Novak to visit India at a convenient time when situation stabilises. In the interim both Ministers instructed their officials to carry out discussions through VC.
Both sides agreed on the assessment of the current challenges to the global energy scenario and the important role India will play as a driver of a resurgence in demand which will be pivotal in global economic revival.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 180.14 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 15.49 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,80,14,60,200
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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15,49,85,231
More than 180.14 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 15.49 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Steel
National Steel Policy
The crude steel capacity of the country has increased from 137.97 million tonnes  in 2017-18 to 154.06 MT in 2021-22 and is envisaged to reach 300 MT by 2030-31. The production capacity of 300 MT shall be achieved by the private and public sectors expanding their production capacities. National Steel Policy, 2017 aims to provide the conducive environment for attaining this objective by providing policy support and guidance to steel producers.
No specific fund has been allocated for Mission Purvodaya in last three years.
In the public sector, one greenfield plant has been set up at Nagarnar, Chhattisgarh.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Shri Arjun Munda Flags off “Medicine Van” for Bihar flood Victims
Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs flags off “Medicine Van” for flood victims of Bihar here today. The medicine support of Rs. 15 Lakh has been provided by the Thakurdwra Trust, Jorbhag, Delhi. Around two thousands volunteers are working on ground to serve the flood victims.
Addressing on the occasion Shri Arjun Munda lauded the noble efforts of Shri Bhore Lal, Retd. IAS officer and his teammates of Thakurdwara Trust for their selfless service to the society and hoped that the efforts of his team will serve the flood victims of Bihar in their hour of need. He thanked the Thakurdwara Trust for their generous support.
Ministry of Finance
Cases pertaining to ‘Pandora Papers’ to be investigated
On 3rd October, 2021, the International Consortium of International Journalists  has come out with what is claimed to be a 2.94 terabyte data trove that exposes the offshore secrets of wealthy elites from more than 200 countries and territories. The investigation is based on a leak of confidential records of 14 offshore service providers that give professional services to wealthy individuals and corporations seeking to incorporate shell companies, trusts, foundations and other entities in low or no-tax jurisdictions.
The Government has taken note of these developments. The relevant investigative agencies would undertake investigation in these cases and appropriate action would be taken in such cases as per law. With a view to ensure effective investigation in these cases, the Government will also proactively engage with foreign jurisdictions for obtaining information in respect of relevant taxpayers/entities. The Government of India is also part of an Inter-Governmental Group that ensures collaboration and experience sharing to effectively address tax risks associated with such leaks.
It may be noted that following earlier similar such leaks in the form of ICIJ, HSBC, Panama Papers and Paradise Papers, the Government has already enacted the Black Money  and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 with an aim to curb black money, or undisclosed foreign assets and income by imposing suitable tax and penalty on such income. Undisclosed credits of Rs. 20,352 crore approximately  have been detected in the investigations carried out in the Panama and Paradise Papers.
Names of only a few Indians  have appeared so far in the media. Even the ICIJ website  has not yet released the names and other particulars of all the entities. The website of ICIJ suggests that information will be released in phases and structured data connected to the Pandora Papers investigation will be released only in the days to come on its Offshore Leaks Database.
Further, the Government has directed today that, investigations in cases of Pandora Papers leaks appearing in the media under the name ‘PANDORA PAPERS’ will be monitored through the Multi Agency Group, headed by the Chairman, CBDT, having representatives from CBDT, ED, RBI & FIU.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Shri Narayan Rane says the MSME sector played an important role in the success of Chandrayaan-3
Union Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Shri Narayan Rane congratulated countrymen and the entire ISRO team on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 through a tweet.
He said that along with the scientists of the country, the Ministry of MSME has also contributed significantly in realizing the dream of Chandrayaan-3.
Shri Rane said that the Bhubaneswar Tool Room under the Ministry of MSME manufactured about 54,000 aero-space components of 437 types for the mission. Also, IDEMI Mumbai, another institute under the Ministry, also played an important role in manufacturing of parts for Chandrayan-3. The Union Minister said that the success of this mission will prove beneficial for India as well as for the whole world. At this juncture when the nation is celebrating Azadi ka Amritkaal the success of this mission will surely establish new dimensions in the space, science, and innovation sector of the country.
Shri Rane said India is setting new records in the space sector under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. From Charkha to Chandrayan, today the MSME sector is everywhere, playing a crucial role in increasing the production capacity of the country. Thanking the scientists, he said that India's history in the space sector has been exceptional. MSME sector will surely play a crucial role in the space missions to be launched in the future as well, he added.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Naval Fleet Review LIVE with Doordarshan
Doordarshan has come up with several innovations to undertake one of the most challenging coverage of the Presidential review of the Indian Navy’s fleet on February 21.
President Ram Nath Kovind will review the Indian Navy’s fleet at a ceremonial event at Visakhapatnam on February 21, 2022. The event will witness the participation of nearly 60 vessels of the Navy, including ships from Indian Coast Guard and Indian Merchant Marine, aircrafts from the Navy and the Coast Guard. The Review also commemorates the 75th year of Independence with the theme ‘Indian Navy – 75 years in Service of the Nation’.
Doordarshan’s coverage of Presidential Fleet Review this year will register many firsts to its credit as it includes vast array of multi-camera set up on land and water with at least 30 cameras including Drones with special lenses being used to streamline the broadcast from land and sea while ensuring seamless connectivity.
Various elements of the Fleet Review comprises of anchorage, a steam past in a mobile column, a fly past and parade of sails, different formations of large columns of vessels etc. All of this will be captured by DD Cameras deployed on land and sea.
Doordarshan and All India Radio have been preparing for this mega coverage since October 2021. Teams have done extensive site surveys, carried out extensive recce around the venue prior to final deployment on land and sea.
Multi-camera set up includes beautiful special vantage points on the hills, high rise buildings and near the shorelines of Visakhapatnam. DD crew has been positioned on 5 such critical points to provide Live visuals. The entire coverage will be in High Definition format.
Grappling with challenging environment at the sea, team of DD Engineers by identifying multiple and critical camera positions will bring to life the Indian Navy’s full might and prowess. On 5 ships, DD Crew has been deployed to provide Live shots of the President's Yacht during the ceremony. Drones, Backpacks, Wireless, signal streaming and satellite uplinks are being done at the Sea to ensure the seamless live broadcast of the prestigious event.
On President’s yacht, High Definition camcorders and PTZ cameras have been deployed. To enhance Viewers’ experience, specialized lenses and state of the art high resolution PTZ cameras have been installed.
The grand stand Master control room has been set up at All India Radio Visakhapatnam. The grand stand will receive all the camera sources from the Land and the Sea using RF, backpacks, data links and satellite down-linking.
The High Definition visuals will be made more engaging through graphics and battery of professional commentators who will be elaborating upon every detail in Hindi and English as the event unfolds, from AIR control Room.
Uninterrupted Live coverage running into almost 3 hours will be broadcast on DD National, DD News, DD India and multiple regional channels of DD, starting from 8.30 AM on February 21 till the end of the events. The entire coverage will also be available through live-streaming on our YouTube platforms.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
USE OF CRUMB RUBBER IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION
The Government is aware of the problem of disposal of rubber tyres and also benefits from its use in bituminous pavement courses. Normal bitumen modified with crumb rubber & other additives has improved performance compared to normal bitumen. The Indian Roads Congress  has published IRC:SP:53 “Guidelines on Use of Modified Bitumen in road construction”. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways  has issued guidelines from time to time for use of such modified bitumen in bituminous pavement courses. Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen is being used in wearing coat of flexible pavement.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
MJPS